We are seeking an experienced and qualified Head of Procurement and Contract Management to lead and shape our procurement strategy and ensure compliance with the evolving statutory landscape, including the Procurement Act 2023, ensuring transparency, innovation and best value across all contracting activity. As part of our senior leadership team, you’ll be responsible for embedding commercial excellence, strengthening governance and delivering social impact through every pound we spend. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our transformation agenda. Reporting directly to the Section 151 Officer, key responsibilities include: • Leading the Council’s strategic procurement function, managing high-value contracts and delivering complex commercial projects. • Designing and implementing procurement frameworks that comply with the Procurement Act 2023, promote best value and support local economic growth. • Driving innovation and continuous improvement in sourcing, supplier management and contract performance. • Embedding sustainability, social value and inclusion within procurement strategy and decision-making. • Advising senior stakeholders and elected Members, shaping commercial decisions and supporting transformation programmes. • Ensuring full compliance with latest public sector procurement regulations, risk mitigation and robust contract governance.About you

You will have a Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Business Administration or a related discipline, and CIPS Level 6 Diploma (or higher), and have completed the Government Commercial College Procurement Act 2023 training and Government Commercial College deep dive training.You will bring:• Extensive senior-level experience in procurement and commercial leadership within local government or the wider public sector.• In-depth knowledge of UK procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023, and its implementation from February 2025.• Expertise in public procurement law and frameworks, coupled with a strong track record in contract negotiation and supplier management.• Strategic thinking with excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.• Commitment to ethical sourcing, innovation and achieving social value outcomes.• A leadership style that empowers teams and drives collaborative success.• Proven ability to lead strategic procurement initiatives and influence high-level decision-making.• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and a commitment to ethical, transparent procurement practices.• A leadership style that empowers teams and fosters collaboration across departments and suppliers.

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